Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, addresses a grand reception to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 28, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BEIJING — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday sent a congratulatory message to Mohamed Muizzu on his election as president of the Maldives.

In his message, Xi said that China and the Maldives enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges.

READ MORE: 'China-Maldives cooperation built on equality, mutual benefits’

The two countries are not only friends of sincere trust and mutual assistance but also partners of joint development and common prosperity, Xi said, noting that he attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations and stands ready to work with president-elect Muizzu to carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation and push for new progress in the future-oriented, all-round friendly and cooperative partnership between the two countries.